Executive assistant jobs

0.5 FTE – 18.75 hours per week (flexible working)
Salary: £30,000-£32,000 FTE depending on experience
Location: Hybrid working with one regular day or half-day per week in Abingdon/Oxfordshire, alongside home working and regular external meetings

About Quest for Learning

Quest for Learning is an education charity working to close the gap for primary school children in Oxfordshire who are falling behind due to disadvantage.

We work closely with schools to deliver targeted, evidence-led literacy and numeracy programmes that help children build the skills, confidence and foundations they need to thrive. Many of the children we support are growing up in poverty, facing barriers linked to low family literacy, unmet additional needs, unstable home circumstances, or limited access to wider opportunities.

Our programmes are delivered by experienced professional tutors and are built around structured interventions, strong school partnerships and measurable outcomes. On average, pupils supported through our small-group tutoring make around 13 months of progress in just 10 hours of support.

Quest for Learning is entering an important new stage of development. Following a period of organisational growth and strategic transition, we are investing in building a stronger and more sustainable fundraising function that can deepen our impact and reach more children across Oxfordshire.

This is an opportunity to help shape that next stage.

Why join us?

This is a rare opportunity to join a small but ambitious charity at an exciting stage of development.

You’ll have:

• Real ownership and autonomy within your role
• The opportunity to help shape and grow a developing fundraising function
• Close working relationships with the CEO and leadership team
• Flexibility and hybrid working arrangements
• The chance to build meaningful partnerships across Oxfordshire
• Opportunities for progression as the organisation grows

We are intentionally investing in fundraising, partnerships and long-term sustainability, and this role offers the opportunity to help build strong relationships and community support around an ambitious, evidence-led charity with significant future potential.

We are a collaborative, supportive and purpose-driven team that values initiative, professionalism, creativity and compassion.

Role purpose

We are seeking an energetic, proactive and relationship-focused fundraiser to help grow Quest for Learning’s community, corporate and partnership fundraising activity.

This role will focus primarily on building relationships and developing opportunities with local businesses, community organisations, schools, supporters and wider networks across Oxfordshire.

We are looking for someone who enjoys meeting people, building partnerships and creating opportunities through strong communication and relationship management. The successful candidate will help raise the profile of Quest for Learning, strengthen supporter engagement and contribute to a more diverse and sustainable income base.

This is a role for someone who is motivated by people, partnerships and meaningful social impact.

Alongside this role, Quest for Learning is also recruiting for a trusts and grants fundraising role. We are open-minded about how responsibilities are ultimately structured and welcome applications from candidates with a range of backgrounds, experiences and strengths.

You will work closely with the CEO, programme staff and trustees, with access to strong impact data, established programmes and a compelling case for support.

Key responsibilities

Community and partnership fundraising

• Build and develop relationships with local businesses, community groups and supporters
• Identify and develop opportunities for corporate partnerships, sponsorship and community fundraising
• Represent Quest for Learning at meetings, networking events and community activities
• Develop and maintain relationships with local organisations including schools, Rotary clubs, WIs, businesses and civic groups
• Support the development of fundraising campaigns, partnership opportunities and supporter initiatives
• Help grow Quest for Learning’s visibility and supporter network across Oxfordshire
• Work with the CEO and trustees to identify and cultivate new opportunities and introductions

Supporter engagement and stewardship

• Build positive and professional relationships with supporters and partners
• Ensure strong communication and stewardship with supporters
• Help supporters and organisations engage meaningfully with Quest for Learning’s mission and impact
• Support the development of compelling fundraising messaging and supporter communications
• Gather and share stories, outcomes and examples of impact with supporters and partners

Organisational contribution

• Contribute to the ongoing development of Quest for Learning’s fundraising function and systems
• Work collaboratively with colleagues across the organisation
• Represent Quest for Learning professionally and passionately to external audiences
• Contribute ideas and insight to support organisational growth and sustainability
• Maintain accurate records of partnerships, communications and activity within Beacon CRM

Person specification

We recognise that strong fundraisers and partnership-builders do not always come from traditional charity fundraising backgrounds. If you have transferable skills and experience in areas such as partnerships, account management, business development, communications, education, customer relationships, sales, marketing or community engagement - and are excited by our mission - we would strongly encourage you to apply.

Essential

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Confidence building relationships with a wide range of people and organisations
• Ability to work independently and proactively
• Highly organised, with the ability to manage multiple priorities
• Strong written communication skills
• Confidence representing an organisation externally
• Ability to communicate complex ideas clearly and persuasively
• Commitment to the mission and values of Quest for Learning
• Experience in relationship-building, partnerships, stakeholder engagement or supporter-facing work

Desirable

• Experience in fundraising, partnerships or business development
• Experience within education, children’s services or related sectors
• Knowledge of the Oxfordshire community or business landscape
• Experience working within a small charity or growing organisation
• Experience supporting events, campaigns or community engagement activity
• Experience using Beacon CRM or similar systems

What success in this role looks like

Successful performance in this role is likely to include:

• Building strong and sustainable community and corporate relationships
• Increasing Quest for Learning’s visibility and supporter engagement
• Developing new partnership and fundraising opportunities
• Growing unrestricted and partnership-based income
• Strengthening supporter stewardship and community presence
• Contributing to the growth and professionalisation of Quest for Learning’s fundraising function

As Quest for Learning grows, we expect this role to develop too, with opportunities to shape strategy and take on increasing responsibility over time.

Who thrives at Quest for Learning

People who tend to thrive at Quest for Learning are:

• proactive and solutions-focused
• motivated by meaningful impact
• comfortable working independently while collaborating closely with others
• excited by helping build and improve systems and processes
• confident building relationships and engaging with people
• adaptable, thoughtful and motivated to grow professionally alongside the organisation

Working arrangements

• 0.5 FTE with flexible working arrangements
• Hybrid role combining home working with one regular day or half-day per week in Abingdon/Oxfordshire
• Regular travel across Oxfordshire for meetings and events
• Flexible working patterns can be discussed

Benefits

• Flexible and hybrid working
• Pension contribution
• TOIL policy
• Supportive and collaborative working culture
• Professional development opportunities
• Opportunity to help shape a growing fundraising function within an ambitious charity

Application process

To apply, please submit:

• your CV
• and a short statement (maximum one page) explaining:
  • why you are interested in the role
  • and how your skills and experience relate to the role

We encourage applications from candidates with both traditional and non-traditional fundraising backgrounds.

For an informal conversation about the role, please contact Chris Higgins, CEO

Closing date: midday, Tuesday 30 June
Interviews: week commencing 6 or 13 July 

0.5 FTE – 18.75 hours per week (flexible working)
Salary: £30,000-£32,000 FTE depending on experience
Location: Hybrid working with one regular day or half-day per week in Abingdon/Oxfordshire, alongside home working and occasional external meetings

About Quest for Learning

Quest for Learning is an education charity working to close the gap for primary school children in Oxfordshire who are falling behind due to disadvantage.

We work closely with schools to deliver targeted, evidence-led literacy and numeracy programmes that help children build the skills, confidence and foundations they need to thrive. Many of the children we support are growing up in poverty, facing barriers linked to low family literacy, unmet additional needs, unstable home circumstances, or limited access to wider opportunities.

Our programmes are delivered by experienced professional tutors and are built around structured interventions, strong school partnerships and measurable outcomes. On average, pupils supported through our small-group tutoring make around 13 months of progress in just 10 hours of support.

Quest for Learning is entering an important new stage of development. Following a period of organisational growth and strategic transition, we are investing in building a more sustainable and ambitious fundraising function that can deepen our impact and reach more children across Oxfordshire.

This is an opportunity to play a central role in shaping that journey.

Why join us?

This is a rare opportunity to join a small but ambitious charity at a genuinely exciting stage of development.

You’ll have:

• Real ownership and autonomy within your role
• The opportunity to help shape and build a growing fundraising function
• Close working relationships with the CEO and leadership team
• Flexibility and hybrid working arrangements
• The chance to make a direct and measurable difference to children facing disadvantage
• Opportunities for progression as the organisation grows

We are intentionally investing in fundraising and organisational growth, and this role offers the opportunity to help shape a developing fundraising function within an ambitious, evidence-led charity with strong foundations and significant future potential.

We are a collaborative, supportive and purpose-driven team that values initiative, professionalism, creativity and compassion.

Role purpose

We are seeking a proactive, highly organised and motivated fundraiser to lead and grow our trusts and grants fundraising activity.

This role will focus primarily on identifying funding opportunities, developing compelling applications, managing funder relationships and building a strong pipeline of income to support Quest for Learning’s future growth.

The successful candidate will play a key role in helping us develop a more strategic and sustainable fundraising approach. We are looking for someone who can combine strong written communication and attention to detail with initiative, pace and the ability to manage multiple priorities effectively.

This role would suit someone with existing trusts fundraising experience, or someone with highly transferable skills who can learn quickly and thrive in a fast-moving environment.

You will work closely with the CEO, programme staff and trustees, with access to strong impact data, established programmes and a compelling case for support.

Alongside this role, Quest for Learning is also exploring the development of an additional partnerships-focused fundraising role. We are open-minded about how responsibilities are ultimately structured and welcome applications from candidates with a range of backgrounds, experiences and strengths.

Key responsibilities

Trusts and foundations fundraising

• Research and identify prospective trusts, foundations and grant opportunities
• Build and maintain a strong pipeline of funding prospects
• Develop and submit high-quality, tailored funding applications
• Manage multiple applications and deadlines simultaneously
• Produce timely and well-written monitoring reports and evaluations
• Work closely with programme staff to gather impact data, case studies and delivery information
• Maintain accurate records of applications, deadlines and funder communications within Beacon CRM
• Monitor fundraising performance and contribute to pipeline tracking and forecasting
• Support the development of longer-term funding strategies and priorities

Relationship management and stewardship

• Build positive and professional relationships with funders and supporters
• Arrange and attend occasional meetings with funders and partners where appropriate
• Ensure strong stewardship and communication throughout the funding lifecycle
• Support the CEO in managing strategic funding relationships

Organisational Contribution

• Contribute to the ongoing development of Quest for Learning’s fundraising function and systems
• Work collaboratively with colleagues across the organisation
• Represent Quest for Learning professionally and passionately to external audiences
• Contribute ideas and insight to support organisational growth and sustainability

Person specification

We recognise that strong fundraisers do not always come from traditional charity fundraising backgrounds. If you have transferable skills and experience in areas such as bid writing, partnerships, relationship management, education, sales, communications, account management or business development - and are excited by our mission - we would strongly encourage you to apply.

Essential

• Excellent written communication skills with strong attention to detail
• Highly organised, with the ability to manage multiple deadlines and priorities
• Strong research and analytical skills
• Ability to work independently and proactively
• Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills
• Confidence using databases, spreadsheets and digital systems
• Ability to communicate complex ideas clearly and persuasively
• Commitment to the mission and values of Quest for Learning
• Experience of writing successful funding applications, bids, proposals or other persuasive written content

Desirable

• Experience in trusts and foundations fundraising within the charity sector
• Experience using Beacon CRM or similar fundraising databases
• Understanding of monitoring, evaluation and impact reporting
• Experience within education, children’s services or related sectors
• Knowledge of the Oxfordshire funding landscape
• Experience working within a small charity or growing organisation

What success looks like in this role

Successful performance in this role is likely to include:

• Building and maintaining a strong and active funding pipeline
• Producing a consistent volume of high-quality applications and reports
• Securing significant grant income for the charity
• Developing strong funder relationships and stewardship practices
• Contributing to the growth and professionalisation of Quest for Learning’s fundraising function
• Helping position Quest for Learning for sustainable long-term growth

As Quest for Learning grows, we expect this role to develop too, with opportunities to shape strategy and take on increasing responsibility over time.

Who thrives at Quest for Learning?

People who tend to thrive at Quest for Learning are:

• proactive and solutions-focused
• motivated by meaningful impact
• comfortable working independently while collaborating closely with others
• excited by helping build and improve systems and processes
• adaptable, thoughtful and motivated to grow professionally alongside the organisation

Working arrangements

• 0.5 FTE with flexible working arrangements
• Hybrid role combining home working with one regular day or half-day per week in Abingdon/Oxfordshire
• Occasional travel across Oxfordshire for meetings and events
• Flexible working patterns can be discussed

Benefits

• Flexible and hybrid working
• Pension contribution
• TOIL policy
• Supportive and collaborative working culture
• Professional development opportunities
• Opportunity to help shape a growing fundraising function within an ambitious charity

Application process

To apply, please submit:

• A CV
• A short statement explaining your interest in the role and how your experience meets the person specification

We encourage applications from candidates with both traditional and non-traditional fundraising backgrounds.

For an informal conversation about the role, please contact Chris Higgins, CEO

Closing date: midday, Tuesday 30 June
Interviews: week commencing 6 or 13 July 

Enham Trust is one of the UK’s longest-established disability charities, supporting disabled people to live, work and enjoy life for more than 100 years. As part of the wider Aster Group, Enham continues to deliver specialist services with a clear social purpose.

We are seeking an experienced and proactive Interim Head of Fundraising to provide operational oversight and work with senior leaders on the strategic development of income generation during an important period for the charity.

Reporting to the Assistant Director of Income Generation, Fundraising and Engagement, you will lead and support a small but committed fundraising team, including the Corporate Partnerships Manager and Valued Donor Fundraiser, while ensuring robust governance and fundraising compliance across the function.

This is a leadership role where success will come from your ability to guide and support the team, and ensure fundraising activity is delivered in line with best practice and regulatory requirements.

There is an established senior leadership presence within the fundraising function, and this role has been created to provide additional capacity and continuity during a period of need. It offers an opportunity to build on existing work and maintain momentum while supporting the team and wider organisational priorities.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide leadership and direction to the fundraising team, supporting performance, development and delivery.
• Produce high-quality reports, analysis and updates for senior stakeholders and Boards.
• Ensure compliance with fundraising legislation, the Code of Fundraising Practice and wider governance requirements.
• Oversee fundraising policies, processes and risk management frameworks.
• Work collaboratively with colleagues across Enham Trust and the wider Aster Group.
• Monitor fundraising performance, KPIs and budget management.

About You

We welcome candidates from a broad fundraising leadership or management background. What is essential is your ability to provide strategic leadership and confidently navigate fundraising governance and compliance frameworks.

You will bring:

• Fundraising leadership experience.
• Strong knowledge of the Code of Fundraising Practice, fundraising regulation and charity governance.
• Experience producing reports and presenting information to senior leadership teams and Boards.
• A track record of leading, motivating and developing fundraising teams.
• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills.
• Confidence working autonomously in a remote environment
• Experience using CRM systems, ideally Donorfy.
• A collaborative, solutions-focused approach, with the confidence to challenge and improve existing ways of working.

Why Join Enham Trust?

This is an opportunity to make a meaningful impact within a unique organisation that has been championing opportunities for disabled people for over a century. From its accessible community and employment programmes to its care, housing and retail services, Enham Trust delivers life-changing support every day.

You'll join a passionate team with strong organisational backing, ambitious plans, and the freedom to bring fresh thinking, leadership and expertise to the fundraising function.

Working Arrangements

• Fully remote role (Travel to Andover approximately once per month to meet with the team)
• Occasional travel to fundraising events and meetings as required.
• Fixed-term contract for 4 months.

If you're an experienced fundraising leader who thrives on strategy, governance, team development and driving improvement, we'd love to hear from you. To register your interest please apply here, or for more information contact Leanne or Jen at Charity Horizons.

Please note: If you would like to submit an application or express your interest in an alternative format, such as audio or video upload, please contact either Charlie or Leanne who will be happy to advise on this. Also, please let us know if you require any adaptations for your initial engagement with us.

Please also be aware that we use anonymous recruitment methods when submitting shortlists for all our roles and we only work with organisations that are happy to engage with us in this way.

Charity Horizons is an equal opportunities employer and as such actively promotes equality, diversity, and inclusion in the workplace. We welcome and encourage applications from all suitable candidates irrespective of age, disability, hidden disability, race or national origin, religion or belief, gender, gender expression, political view, sexual orientation, medical condition, and pregnancy.

Help us achieve our vision that fewer people die by suicide.

​

We’re looking for an experienced Project Officer to play a key role in delivering and reporting on a major multi-year funding programme supporting Samaritans’ work across our London region.

​

You will lead the coordination, administration, and reporting of activity funded through a significant seven-year partnership with City Bridge Foundation. Working closely with senior staff, volunteers, London branches, and external partners and our funder, you’ll ensure projects are effectively delivered, tracked, and evidenced.

​

This is a highly collaborative role where you’ll bring together data, insights, and updates into clear, compelling reports, while helping shape how Samaritans’ work is delivered and improved collaboratively across London.

​

Contract Terms

​

• £34,000-£37,000 per annum plus benefits
• Full time (35 hours per week)
• Permanent
• We are passionate about flexible working—talk to us about your preferences
• Hybrid working with travel to Ewell office and occasional travel to branches and other locations related to the role
• In-person working: Meeting in person and working collaboratively are things we value. We ask you to work in person around 2 days or more per month.
• 28 days annual leave plus bank holidays

​

What You’ll Be doing

​

• Set up and manage project management processes, tools, and templates to support delivery of funded activities
• Coordinate quarterly reporting cycles, gathering accurate and timely data from branches and partners
• Produce high-quality quarterly reports, combining insights from across Samaritans into clear updates for City Bridge Foundation
• Monitor progress, identify risks or issues, and escalate where necessary to senior stakeholders
• Maintain accurate financial records, documentation, and audit trails for grant funding
• Act as a key point of contact for London branches and third-party partners, ensuring engagement and alignment
• Organise and facilitate meetings, including agendas, minutes, and follow-up actions
• Support evidence gathering and sharing of learning to inform future service delivery and outreach development
• Collaborate with internal teams (research, communications, policy, and people teams) to support wider organisational goals
• Contribute to developing London-focused plans, activities, and future funding bids

​​

What You’ll Bring

​

• Proven experience supporting complex, multi-stream projects, including planning, tracking, and reporting
• Strong report writing skills, with attention to detail and the ability to clearly communicate activities, outcomes, and impact
• Experience coordinating meetings and working with a wide range of stakeholders, including volunteers and external partners
• Proactive approach in identifying challenges and solutions, and passion for making a meaningful impact
• Strong organisation skills, with excellent attention to detail and strong IT skills (Microsoft Office, Teams/Zoom)
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to build relationships and influence across different groups
• Discretion and professionalism when handling sensitive information
• A bonus if you have experience in the charity sector, working with grant funding, or community-based initiatives

​

Full Job Description and Person Specification below.

​

Why Samaritans?

​

At Samaritans, you’ll join a values-led organisation with a powerful mission. You’ll be part of a collaborative and supportive team where your voice matters, your expertise makes a difference, and your work helps save lives.

​

We offer flexible hybrid working, great benefits, and the chance to make a tangible difference in suicide prevention across the UK and Ireland. To find out more about Samaritans, please read our recruitment brochure.

​

We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive organisation that reflects the people we support and who support us. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and walks of life. We are committed to creating an inclusive culture where everyone feels seen, heard and supported, at all levels of the organisation.

​

​

Apply now

​

If this sounds like the opportunity for you, we’d love for you to apply. You will be asked to answer some short application questions and to upload your CV and cover letter. If you require adjustments at any stage of the recruitment process, please let us know.

​

At Samaritans, human connection is at the heart of everything we do. 

We do not use AI at any stage during the selection process. Your application will always be carefully reviewed by the recruiting manager or a member of the Talent Attraction Team. 

We kindly ask that you avoid using AI tools to generate your application or interview answers. We want to hear your own ideas, insights, and writing style so your unique strengths can shine through. We recognise that some candidates may use assistive technology or tools to help with accessibility, structure or grammar. 

​

​ Applications close: midnight on Friday 3rd July

​

1st stage interviews (online): Thursday 16th July

2nd stage interviews (in person KT17 2AF): Wednesday 22nd July